Akua ‘ba figure

Carved wooden figures known as akua ‘ba have long embodied Akan women’s prayers for motherhood. The word akua ‘ba literally means “Akua’s child.” That term refers to a legend about a woman named Akua who was unable to conceive. On the advice of a priest, Akua commissioned and cared for a small wooden effigy as if it were a real infant, enduring the community’s ridicule until, miraculously, she gave birth to a healthy daughter. Inspired by Akua’s success, other women began to commission similar figures to ensure their fertility. Among the matrilineal Akan, motherhood is highly honored, as bearing children (especially daughters) ensures the continuation of the family lineage and one’s legacy as an ancestor.




Akua ‘maa (plural) are defined by their large, disc-like heads, slender torsos, and columnar necks with rounded ridges. As seen in this example, these features underscore Akan ideals of beauty and wisdom. A broad, high forehead signifies intellectual acuity, and a gracefully ringed neck depicting the rolls of a well-nourished individual symbolizes health and prosperity. The skilled artist of this akua ‘ba further elaborated on that elemental form through the depiction of defined arms, legs, and feet. The mother cradles an infant, which suckles at her breast. The naturalistic treatment contrasts with more standard highly schematic representations. Indeed, the inclusion of a child is rare in akua ‘maa carvings, which are themselves typically handled as children. The decision to render this akua ‘ba as a maternal figure may suggest that it functioned as the centerpiece of an altar dedicated to fertility, rather than a figure carried by the owner on her back.